HMPV is a respiratory virus that tends to be more common in late winter and spring.
It usually causes a mild upper respiratory tract infection (a cold) in most people, but like many other respiratory viruses, it can sometime cause a more serious illness in young children, older adults and those with a weakened immune system.
To help reduce the risk of all respiratory viral infection, including Human Metapneumovirus,
NSW Health has recommended staying home if you have cold or flu symptoms, washing or sanitising your hands often, wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, such as shopping or at movies, getting together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows, and don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms.
Over 1,000 weekly cases of virus warning
THERE has been a spike in cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with numbers almost doubling across the State to more than 1,000 each week for the past fortnight.
